Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta launched a scathing on match officials after a controversial penalty decision nearly derailed his side’s perfect title defence run at the Stadium of Light on Friday. The Gunners secured a 2-0 victory over Sunderland, extending their winning streak to nine successive Premier League matches, a feat not achieved since the legendary Invincibles campaign of 2003-04.
The flashpoint came just before the hour mark. Referee John Brooks awarded Sunderland a penalty when Ezri Konsa was adjudged to have fouled Dan Ballard at a corner. The official told VAR he believed Konsa was ‘all over him at the near post facing the wrong way’, and the video assistant confirmed the holding offence.
What followed proved decisive. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya saved Enzo le Fee’s spot kick, pushing it onto the post. Just 121 seconds later, substitute Bruno Guimaraes smashed home the opener off the underside of the crossbar.
Arteta didn’t hold back. ‘It’s a judo roll from the opponent,’ he told BBC Match of the Day. ‘We have a lot of cameras and VAR, we have to take responsibility to protect the game. Today the game was unprotected.’ The Spanish manager, who received a yellow card for repeatedly leaving his technical area during the match, insisted he’d watched the incident 20 times and remained convinced the decision was wrong.
His frustration stemmed from what he perceived as an unfair call that could have altered the championship race. The penalty incident has sparked debate about consistency in officiating, particularly regarding holding offences at set pieces.
Arsenal’s victory keeps their title defence firmly on track, though the manager’s public criticism of officials may yet attract further scrutiny from football authorities.
You May Like
Leave a comment